Wines with D.O. Navarra and Rioja

A Designation of Origin is a kind of geographical indication applied to a product whose quality and characteristics are the result of the environment in which it is grown and produced. In Navarre wine is one of these, and due to its proxomity to La Rioja it has two designations of origin: Navarra and Rioja.

D.O. NAVARRA WINE

The management of the Designation of Origin is undertaken by the Control Board of the D.O., on which both producers and marketers are represented.

A wide range of climates, landscapes… and wines

One of the main characteristics that define the D.O. Navarra is the great variety of landscapes and climates in the 150-plus kilometres that separate the northern and southern ends of the region. An exceptional situation, almost unique in the Iberian Peninsula, occurs here: the confluence of the Atlantic, Continental and Mediterranean climates. The nearby Bay of Biscay, the influence of the nearby Pyrenees and the milder climate of the Ebro valley account for this variety.

These factors have a strong impact on the landscape of Navarre, where the 11,000-plus hecatares of the Designation of Origin lie on all kinds of ecosystems and locations: hillsides, river basins, plateaux and plains. These locations define 5 differentiated production areas: Baja Montaña, Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Ribera Alta and Ribera Baja.

This means that you can find your own style of wine in Navarre from a wide range of options: from the region's well-known rosé wines to juicy young reds, delicious Chardonnay whites or fine Crianza and Reserva reds, not forgetting the appealing and sweet Muscatel wines.

5 PRODUCTION AREAS

Baja MontañaLocated in eastern Navarre, along the border with Aragon. The area is marked by hill ranges with abundant lowland forest, where vines reign supreme in the few areas that can be cultivated. The main grape varieties - only red - are Garnacha (Grenache) and, to a lesser extent, Tempranillo.

ValdizarbeThis area is located in Central Navarre just south of the Pamplona basin, and is the heart of the Pilgrims Way to Compostela as it crosses the region. The two main routes of the Way - the French and Aragonese - join up here. Marked on the western side by the foothills of the Andia mountain range and the Perdón range to the north, it largely runs along the river Arga in an area of gentle hills and valleys. Different grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet and Merlot coexist among the reds. Chardonnay and Malvasía are also present.

Tierra EstellaLocated in western Navarre along the Pilgrims Way to Santiago, this area has borders with the Basque Country and La Rioja. It is crossed by the river Ega, with the Urbasa mountain range to the north. The land slopes down towards the south, where olive and cereal crops prevail. Among the main red grape varieties grown here are Tempranillo, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and a strong presence of Chardonnay for the whites.

Ribera AltaLocated in the Central Zone of Navarre, in the transition area to the south of the region, it has a high level of winemaking activity in and around the town of Olite.The landscapes are gently sloping in the north and in the area along the river Ega and become flatter towards the south, where cereal crops and vines are predominant.Tempranillo is the main variety, with a good presence of other red grapes, particularly Graciano. It has a high production of white wine, with the highest proportion of Chardonnay in the region and a certain presence of Muscatel.

Ribera BajaLocated in southern Navarre along the Ebro valley, between Aragon and La Rioja. Main city: Tudela. A large, very flat plain with scarce vegetation, dominated by the imposing Moncayo mountain range. Market gardens are commonly found along the river valleys. Among the red grapes, Tempranillo is the main variety, followed by Garnacha (Grenache). As for the whites, the area has the highest concentration of Viura and Muscatel in the region.

D.O. RIOJA

The variety of terroirs and climates in the D.O. Rioja lead to this winemaking region being divided into three sub-zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja, covering 3 regions: La Rioja, the Basque Country and Navarre.

Navarre comes under the Rioja Baja, along the river Ebro, with a total of 6,220 hectares registered and a choice of reds, rosés and whites. Tradition and rigour throughout the winemaking process mean that the wines enjoy international recognition.

As well as these two designations of origin for wines, Navarre has another thirteen for agrifood products. You can consult them here.